I do not understand why a guy with what seems like zero interest in learning about set up wants a turntable and not streaming. How is he going to clean his records? It sounds like he likes music but not hear.
I do not understand why a guy with what seems like zero interest in learning about set up wants a turntable and not streaming. How is he going to clean his records? It sounds like he likes music but not hear.
I find it interesting that since I was a dealer in the 90's, budget priorities have changed. For example Ken Kessler recommends spending only 25% of budget on the turntable. So a high end system could look like this:
Project Debut Pro inc Sumiko cartridge $1000
Project Ground turntable support $800
EAR Phonobox preamp $1800
Parasound A21+ pwr amp $4000
Magnepan LRS+ with stands $1300
He does not want to learn cartridge set-up and alignment. That is why I wrote: "He would like a system where he could just himself pop in a replacement cartridge."
The KEF LS50 Meta is an outstanding "apartment speaker" for the money and their size and design integrates well into multi-use living spaces. At $1600 a pair, that leaves plenty of room in the budget for the other components.
I second Rega because they have that three bolt mount to go with their carts. Screw them in and done. If he were to go with Rega I would recommend the optional power supplies for the lower models that require you to change belt position to go 33.3 or 45.
I likewise second the McIntosh and Luxman recommendations. Easy to use, nothing objectionable for the non-infected LOL, can drive almost anything.
Speakers can be very personal and would depend on the persons habits and space constraints. Any more info on this front aside from on the warm side? All the above qualify to be in the non fatiguing category. Hard to find a decent speaker that might be too bright for these.
The KEF LS50 Meta is an outstanding "apartment speaker" for the money and their size and design integrates well into multi-use living spaces. At $1600 a pair, that leaves plenty of room in the budget for the other components.